James I Dawson Elementary Counseling Program

Danesia Dixon: Dawson Elementary Counselor

Link: School Counseling Department for Huntsville City Schools

Why Elementary School Counselors?

“Today’s young people are living in an exciting time, with an increasingly diverse society, new technologies and expanding opportunities. To help ensure they are prepared to become the next generation of parents, workers, leaders and citizens, every student needs support, guidance and opportunities during childhood, a time of rapid growth and change. Children face unique and diverse challenges, both personally and developmentally, that have an impact on academic achievement."

– “Toward a Blueprint for Youth: Making Positive Youth Development a National Priority,” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Elementary school years set the tone for developing the knowledge, attitudes and skill necessary for children to become healthy, competent and confident learners. Through a comprehensive developmental school counseling program, school counselors work as a team with the school staff, parents and the community to create a caring climate and atmosphere. By providing education, prevention, early identification and intervention, school counselors can help all children achieve academic success.

Elementary School Counselors Implement the School Counseling Program by Providing:

School Guidance Curriculum

• Academic support, including organizational, study and test-taking skills
• Goal setting and decision-making
• Career awareness, exploration and planning
• Education on understanding self and others
• Peer relationships, coping strategies and effective social skills
• Communication, problem-solving and conflict resolution
• Substance abuse education
• Multicultural/diversity awareness
• Individual student planning

Academic planning

• Goal setting/decision-making
• Education on understanding of self, including strengths and weaknesses
• Transition plans

Responsive Services

• Individual and small-group counseling
• Individual/family/school crisis intervention
• Conflict resolution
• Consultation/collaboration
• Referrals

System Support

• Professional development
• Consultation, collaboration and teaming
• Program management and operation